Star Academies - Building Cleaning Services - The Valley Leadership Academy
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't think this is just about cleaning
Star Academies isn't simply looking for a company to clean The Valley Leadership Academy.
They're looking for a partner who can create a learning environment that supports education through cleanliness.
Yes, you're dealing with building cleaning services, but the core need here is a professional environment. One that enhances the educational experience day-to-day and through strategic deep cleaning during holidays.
The contract covers all building cleaning services, except for external window cleaning, for a potential four-year term if extended.
Think about the pupils and teachers
The end users are the pupils and teachers.
Their needs are paramount.
A clean environment contributes to better learning outcomes.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for evidence that you understand how cleanliness affects educational settings.
Show how your approach supports the school day without disrupting it.
Tailor your approach
Star Academies wants a collaborative supplier.
They're looking for someone who can adapt and tailor their approach to meet specific needs.
This means not just sticking to a generic cleaning schedule.
Think about how you can work with the academy to drive cost savings and improve efficiency.
Pay attention to what they say
They are clear about one thing.
The Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) will be selected.
This means they're looking for value, not just low costs.
Your submission should emphasise how you provide excellent service without creating unnecessary costs.
Mention ways you can enhance value, such as innovative cleaning methods or resource management.
Evidence always beats promises
Don't just promise excellent service.
Prove it.
Use evidence from past contracts.
- Testimonials from similar educational environments
- Performance metrics or KPIs from previous contracts
- Case studies showing cost savings and enhanced service delivery
Proving your track record will carry more weight than empty promises.
How will you manage the contract over time?
Consistency is key.
The Trust will want to know you can maintain standards over the entire contract term.
Explain how you handle staffing issues like sickness or leave.
I'd want to see exactly what happens when someone calls in sick.
Also, how will you ensure quality assurance and performance reviews are conducted regularly?
Remember who you're trying to convince
You're not just convincing the procurement team.
Your bid needs to resonate with school leaders, teachers and even parents.
Keep in mind the broader impact your service has on the school community.
Show that you understand the educational environment and are committed to enhancing it.
The importance of deep cleaning
Don't overlook the importance of deep cleaning during school holidays.
This is a specific requirement, and it shows the Trust values thorough cleanliness.
Demonstrate how you plan and execute deep cleaning without disrupting school operations.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on price without discussing value
- Ignore the importance of deep cleaning during holidays
- Lack evidence of past performance in educational settings
- Offer generic cleaning plans that aren't tailored
- Fail to address how you'll manage staffing and continuity
- Overlook the need for collaboration with the academy
- Don't discuss how you'll deliver cost savings
- Miss the importance of creating a learning-conducive environment
My Final Thoughts
Star Academies is looking for a partner, not just a cleaning contractor.
They're looking for someone who can create and maintain a professional learning environment.
The contract is valued at £800,000 for a period from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028, with potential extension to 2030.
With quality weighted heavily, your written submission matters immensely.
Focus on demonstrating value, collaboration and evidence of past success.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.